Stanwick Lakes

Wildlife Cameras Go Missing

lakes — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:35:15 +0000

For a while now at Stanwick Lakes, we have enjoyed monitoring the activity of the wildlife that lives here using motion sensor cameras. We have been lucky enough to film wonderful glimpses of the creatures and these films have provided fantastic educational value for the many school children, groups and clubs who visit Stanwick Lakes each year. Sadly, these cameras went missing last week and, not only have we lost the equipment, but we will be unable to use new footage for our educational work this year.

A wide variety of wildlife has been caught on film including muntjac deer, otters, foxes, badgers, and birds such as goosander, wren and owls, all going about their business completely naturally and unaware of the fact they were being filmed. The cameras have also allowed us to monitor invasive species, such as mink.

We are lucky to have such a wealth of wildlife at Stanwick Lakes. Much of the waterfowl is here due to the management of the site by the rangers and team of FOSiLS. The appearance of otters back in the Nene Valley is evidence that the water quality of the river has improved due to the work of the Environment Agency. Much of the wildlife makes Stanwick Lakes their home but some, like the otters, are just visiting.

We very much hope that these cameras will be returned to us so that we can continue to monitor the activity on site and continue to use the films for educational purposes.

‘Hive of Activity’ Taster Sessions

lakes — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:01:50 +0000

An informative evening was had by all who attended our bee ‘taster session’ in the visitor centre on Tuesday 26th February. The idea behind the evening was to recruit novice volunteer beekeepers to manage the honey bee hive at the Stanwick apiary.

The goal of the project is to help conserve the honey bee which is currently having a tough time, along with many other pollinators. Volunteer beekeepers enjoy a fun environment to learn the craft of beekeeping with guidance from four experienced beekeepers with 30 years’ experience between them. All bee keeping equipment is supplied by the Rockingham Forest Trust.

If you would like to get involved please join us at the next ‘taster session’ which will be held in the visitor centre on Tuesday 26th March at 6pm. We will talk you through why we are doing what we do, how it started, where we want to get to and how you can become a beekeeper. No previous experience is required. We hope to see you there!

Mark Wood

‘Hive of Activity’ Project Beekeeper

Zebra Mussels are living in our lakes!

lakes — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:02:16 +0000

Did you know that all the indoor toilets here at Stanwick Lakes are flushed with water from the lake beside the building? Most people recycle water using water from the roof which is collected when it rains. As we had a big “tank” right beside the building we decided to use that instead.

However, very few places in the UK do this, so the technology was experimental and designed specifically for our needs. Needless to say, it has had to be fine-tuned to meet our requirements and to allow for the fact that water is being taken from a lake alive with wildlife.

We found that a creature called a Zebra Mussel lives in the lake and lays eggs so miniscule they were getting through the fine mesh filters and hatching in the system. Sadly, now we have a UV filter to kill them off. These mussels are an extremely invasive migrant species from Southern Russia and are detrimental to our environment so we do not feel quite so badly about having to kill them.

You may have noticed that over the past couple of months the water in the toilet bowls has looked a bit grubby. This is because all the rain and snow we have had in the past year has stirred up the silt on the bottom of the lake. The water is taken from the lake through a pipe just under the decked area.

A pump in the lake pushes it into our plant room. It then goes through a series of filters and a UV ray to get rid of the sediment and other debris before another pump pushes it to the various cisterns. Because the sediment on the bottom of our lake is so fine, some of it has got through and is making the water in the toilets look a bit unsavoury. It isn’t, honestly, it is just sandy, reflecting the historic use of the site for sand and gravel extraction. It will clear naturally as the weather improves and the water is able to calm.

We are planning to extend the water system to the outside toilets once we can get the funding to buy the extra pump and filter systems that are necessary. So, for now we have to rely on mains water where the pressure can be a little erratic in the summer months.

- by Karen

Team Building Day goes down a storm

lakes — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:15:08 +0000

What do semaphore in the outdoor theatre, bicycle hire, and business networking have in common? Well the answer is that they were all components of a successful launch day for the ‘Stanwick Lakes Challenge’.

This is our new team building offer, which we’re aiming at businesses and social groups who are looking to combine fun in the outdoors with meeting team objectives.

Simply Business was the first company in the region to trial the new challenge, which included a semaphore workshop, a traditional way of sending short messages that’s fun but requires good teamwork and precision.

The Director of Simply Business said, “Not only did we find Stanwick Lakes exceptionally easy and flexible to work with, they also catered for a wide age range and kept everyone engaged for the whole event. The food was fantastic, first class, and the activities were really fun. We will be coming back annually to see the new friends we have made at Stanwick Lakes. Fantastic venue, fantastic staff – thanks for having us.”

Given the summer we’ve had, unbelievably the weather was outstanding on both occasions and all the businesses involved seemed to really enjoy themselves – particularly their dinner, which was cooked on the barbeque.

If you’re interested in our team building days you can find out more on our website or give us a call on 01933 625522.

- Alyson

Grassroots Olympic Challenge kicks off

lakes — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:53:58 +0000

On Friday night, 27million of us tuned in on TV to watch Danny Boyle’s spectacular Opening Ceremony put togeher by 15,000 volunteers from all over the UK. Long before the official games got underway however, we launched our own grassroots sporting campaign right here at Stanwick Lakes – inviting you to paddle a kayak around the lake, cycle, jog, walk or skip the Stanwick Lakes mile, scramble over the assault course and explore our adventure trail.

Jake Cross, aged 12, warms up with some kayak strokes before launching off into the water

On Friday afternoon I caught up with local lad Jake Cross, who had just completed the kayaking section of the Olympic Trail – just one of 5 exciting family activities laid on to celebrate the Games. As he recaptured his breath he told me “Today’s been really fun so far, I’ve been canoeing all around the lake here which is especially nice to do when it’s hot like this”. Jake was accompanied by his mum Michelle who added “It’s a great and cheap day-out and my son loves it”.

The Canoe and Kayak Slalom at the Lee Valley White Water Centre was watched by 12,000

On Sunda I was lucky enough to attend the opening heat of the Canoe and Kayak Slalom to cheer on gold medal hopeful David Florence as he progressed into the Men’s C1 Semi-Finals. What struck me about this exhillerating occasion was the number of athlete’s from around the world that had experienced an Olympic Games first hand in their home country before taking it up. With our own Olympic Challenge serving up a range of sports taking place at London 2012, we’re hoping to inspire a new generation of athletes to get involved in grassroots sport in their local area.

Over the last few weeks cycling fever has swept the nation with Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Brit to win the Tour De France and Lizzie Armistead winning Team GB a Silver medal on Sunday. Whether you’ve got your own bicycles or would like to hire some out here, we’ve got miles and miles of smooth lakeside track to help you take in the fresh air of the Nene Valley countryside as part of the Olympic Challenge (beats cycling in a hot and sticky velodrome any day).

As you complete the activities you just punch the Olympic rings on your ‘Olympic Challenge Passport’ (available from the Visitor Centre Reception) with the special hole punches currently dotted around the site. Then once you’ve run out of steam, simply take your leaflet to the Rangers’ Cabin between 12 noon and 5pm to be awarded with your medal. We’ve handed out over 100 medals already so what are you waiting for, give the TV a break and get out there!!

Why not use the comment bar below to share your ideas for embracing the Olympic spirit this summer?

- James

Giving back to the community through our Social Enterprise

lakes — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:39:24 +0000

Earlier this month Rockingham Forest Trust Enterprises LTD, the trading arm for Stanwick Lakes was awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, which is designed to increase awareness of what social enterprise really means to people and planet.

Our Director Alyson Allfree commented “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition. It’s a great opportunity for us to tell everyone about what we give back to the local community through our social enterprise business model. Any profits are reinvested in the site and the Trust’s charitable work”.

Throughout the site, we employ many of our staff from the local area, including people with learning disabilities that might otherwise find it difficult to break into employment. In collaboration with local authorities Stanwick Lakes has also provided work experience and employment to a number of individuals with special needs since the enterprise’s creation in 2009.

For the last 12 months we’ve lead a regular series of Health Walks at Stanwick Lakes for people who like to walk as part of a group or have medical conditions or physical limitations, such as those recovering from hip replacement surgery. Izzy Shipton aged 12 said “I do health walks for fun and exercise. The company and the nature around the lake is beautiful.” Session leader, Jane Ivens, now has a whopping register of over 50 members, with walks normally attended by over 15 people.

Jane says “Many of the groups that come really appreciate having access to the indoor facilities here, especially on cold days.” Another participant, Linda Walker, commented “The company after in the cafe is great and it’s nice to be encouraged by Jane – this makes me do at least one walk regularly. We walk rain or shine all year”. The Headway group, which works to improve life after brain injury, have also begun attending monthly sessions at Stanwick Lakes.

Alyson Allfree reflected on what we’ve managed to achieve to date “The enterprise journey has been hard at times. Creating a new business in the depths of a recession was quite a challenge – but also rewarding. Most of our visitors and members understand that the modest charges at Stanwick Lakes fund the site’s future, and make all the charitable activities here possible”.

- James

How the recent floods have affected Stanwick Lakes

lakes — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:05:30 +0000

We have seen our first flood in two years which has topped up lakes and reedbeds across this important wetland habitat at Stanwick Lakes.

The low water levels last year resulted in larger numbers of breeding ground nesting birds, while the higher water levels in the reedbeds this year will benefit the waders and water birds. Water Rail, Redshank and Sandpipers are enjoying larger areas of water scrapes and pools to feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

The fluctuating levels of water have resulted in some casualties with many early laid eggs floating away in the water, but there is plenty of time for some to have another go. Wetter but warm days have provided plenty of food for sand martins, swifts and swallows with the Mayflies rising in June, uncharacteristic of their name.

The Ranger team have rescued many large fish looking to spawn in shallow pools that would not otherwise exist. After returning them to the lakes, the fish stand a better chance of finding pools that will allow them to hatch their young, an important food source for our wildlife.

- Luke (Senior Ranger)

Learning to paint from scratch

lakes — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:19:38 +0000

So many people would like to paint but feel they lack natural artistic ability to begin – well maybe I can help?

My name is Chris and today I spent the morning demonstrating watercolour painting at the Stanwick Lakes Craft Cafe. The Visitor Centre is a beautiful place for arts and crafts because of the natural light that streams through the windows and the monthly Craft Cafe which features crafts such as knitting, cross stitch, lace making and willow weaving.

With the lakes as a backdrop, I showed the group how to take the first easy steps in watercolour painting, including how to capture light on water, deal with reflectiona and distant trees.

Angela, one of regular Craft Cafe members said: “I am really enjoying painting with watercolours today, I did some years ago, but this is a great refresher and I am finding it so relaxing”

I will also be running a further watercolour class on the 29th June, 10.30am to 1pm at Stanwick lakes when a more detailed lakeside painting will be painted by participants. You will need to pre-book this class. This one off session will be for beginners or returners to painting and will include the use of all painting materials for just £8. Book your place now by ringing me on 01933 460676.

I have been teaching painting for many years and specialise in beginners and I am particularly keen to teach people who say they ‘can’t even draw a matchstick man’. It amuses me to see them come into the class worried about making a fool of themselves and see the delight in their eyes when they leave the session with a complete painting. My recent successes include 2 ladies in their mid eighties learning to paint for the first time. Both have sold paintings since, one of them after only 6 lessons! I also teach at my studio in Ringstead and other places along the Nene Valley visit http://www.learntopaint.org.uk/

Stanwick Lakes is such an inspirational place to paint. So if you have wanted to paint for years now is a perfect time to get started.

- Chris Kinsey

Stanwick Lakes Diamond Jubilee Jamboree

lakes — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:52:35 +0000

On June 2nd 1953, millions of people across Britain watched the Queen’s coronation live. Celebrations took place across the country and a well known dish was created in her honour.

Once again, during the first weekend in June, we will join together to celebrate a Jubilee, only this time it will be the monarchy’s second ever Diamond Jubilee. And here at Stanwick Lakes we are going all out! On Tuesday the 5^th June, you can join us from 11am with all the family for a traditional styled Jamboree!

Follow the bunting to the entrance tent where straight away you’ll receive jewels for your very own crown – pegs to make your own soldier or princess and a FREE ticket for Jelly and Ice Cream! As you enter you’ll see various traditional games on offer. Maybe you’ll be the one to knock down all the tins at TIN CAN ALLEY!

Beat your friends in the egg and spoon race, test your balance with the bean bag challenge! At the craft tent pull out the goodies given to you on arrival, make yourself a King or Queen for the day with your very own crown and use your peg to design the perfect princess or solider companion.

By now we’d expect you’d be tired and in need of refreshment, so head to the food stall with your ticket in hand for FREE Jelly and Ice cream (courtesy of Waitrose!) have a sit down and enjoy the view over our lake, try and spot the open air theatre and all the different type of birds that visit us in the spring!

Once refueled head back to the games area and try your arm at quoits and skittles, or the Craft tent for colouring in and making a flag to wave in honor of Queen Elizabeth and her 60 years on the throne!

Don’t forget that Café Solar will be serving a lunch fit for a Queen, with a Jubilee inspired special menu and twists on its old favourites (King Edward Jacket Potato or Coronation Chicken Roll anyone?). Our amazing baker will be whipping up an Elizabeth and a Victoria sponge so there won’t be a shortage of cakes!

- Mel

Honey bees buzzing after Louise Mensch visit

James — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:37 +0000

With the wet and miserable weather this year, we’ve struggled to get up to the apiary for our regular inspections. Inside the hive the bees must keep a constant temperature of 35C, so if we go up and open the hives on a cold day you risk chilling the brood (lava). Up until today, the bees have been working really hard to get the hive back up to temperature, which they’ll do by rapidly beating their wing muscles. As you can imagine this is tiring business which requires plenty of fuel in the way of honey. But because the foraging bees aren’t collecting as much nectar, they’ve had to rely on the stores already in the hive which have been dwindling fast……

MP Louise Mensch visits the Stanwick Lakes apiary along with Mick McGrath, Head of East Midlands for the Big Lottery Fund and Alyson Alfree - Director of Rockingham Forest Trust.

Fortunately the depressing start to the bee keeping season didn’t deter local MP Louise Mensch from donning one of our newly purchased (wildlife friendly) bee suits as she took time from her hectic schedule to visit the Stanwick Lakes Hive of Activity Project. Louise commended the project managed by environmental charity Rockingham Forest Trust and described it as “a very good use of Lottery money”. Mick McGrath, head honcho at the Big Lottery Fund in the East Midlands was equally positive and hopes that other organisations will be inspired to follow Stanwick Lakes’ lead and apply for an Awards for All grant to kick start their own community bee keeping project.

Children from the WE Watch wildlife group enjoyed a rare glimpse of sunshine as they make their way home from the Stanwick Lakes a piary

Earlier in the spring we were blessed with a couple of weeks of reasonably nice weather, allowing the hives to expand in size. Then the cold front came in and the bees weren’t able to fly, forcing the colony to rely on stores left over from winter. If we hadn’t been careful the bees would have been at great risk of starvation. Fingers crossed, summer has finally arrived but what this also marks is the beginning of swarming season! When the weather picks up like it has done today, the bees may choose to swarm and leave their hive at the first opportunity – so if you come across a swarm in your neighbourhood we’d be more than happy to hear from you.

All in all we’re pleased to say that most of the hives are still OK for food stores and those that were close to empty have now been fed with sugary fondant. This month has been the first time that our volunteer bee keepers have got close to an active hive and I’m glad to say they all took it in their stride with no stings. We’ve also been able to complete another Taster Session, with the aim of recruiting more bee keepers so we can expand the number of hives. All we really need now is for this warmer weather to stay put.

Don’t forget to scribble on your calendar our BUSY BUZZY BEES family fun day which will be taking place on Thursday June 7th at Stanwick Lakes (11am to 4pm). There will be modest charges for some craft activities and standard car parking fees apply. No booking required!

- Mark